How to Help Pets During Disasters

In recent years, we've seen many disasters wreak havoc in different parts of the world: the tsunami in Thailand, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, and the earthquake in Haiti, just to name a few. As pet lovers, our hearts do double-duty, going out to both the people involved as well as their displaced pets. Now that the Gulf Coast is once again in the midst of a disaster due to the BP oil spill, we can't help but wonder how to help the people and pets in the area.

We've pulled together some useful information about how to help pets during this tragic oil spill - as well as how to help pets during any type of disaster and what you can do if a disaster strikes where you live.

Tornado Disaster

Help for Pets Affected by the Oil Spill

How to Help Pets During Disasters

Local animal shelters in the Gulf region are flooded with dogs and cats that have been given up. Animal Rescue New Orleans has received many calls from families who have lost their jobs due to the spill. Other shelters have doubled and even tripled their intake of pets whose families had to decide that they could no longer afford to care for them.

Tornado Disaster

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has stepped in to do what it can to help out and has already transferred many surrendered dogs to their headquarters in Gaithersberg, Maryland. These dogs have been picked up by local shelters and groups for adoption.

HSUS has also made strides to assist families in keeping their pets. 12 tons of dog and cat food have been delivered to the Gulf area to be distributed to residents who have been directly affected by the spill.

There are many ways to make a contribution toward both the pets that have lost their homes and those in danger of being surrendered:

- The dogs that HSUS transported back to Maryland are available for adoption through the Loudon County Animal Shelter, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

- Animal Rescue of New Orleans has a Pet Retention Program, where a /month donation can help ease the financial burden of caring for a pet so that families can keep them, rather than give them up.

- Make a donation, volunteer, or even adopt a pet from St. Bernard's Parish and Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society - just two of the many shelters who have seen a dramatic rise in surrendered pets.

- The Deepwater Horizon Response has information on volunteering to help wildlife in the area.

Help for Pets Affected by Any Disaster

There are many organizations geared toward helping pets that are in need at any time. In the throes of a disaster, their response units mobilize and do whatever they can to help. Here are a few that are always grateful for volunteers and financial support:

1. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): They've already been helping with the oil spill effort and they have their own special National Disaster Animal Response Team (NDART™). NDART™ is made up of animal care professionals and other qualified volunteers and takes applications for new team members. Donations can also be made here.

2. PAWS: This nonprofit organization specializes in rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, as well as sheltering and adopting homeless pets in Washington State. They also assist in disasters that happen locally. Volunteers and foster homes are needed in the Lynwood, Washington area and donations to the organization can be made here.

3. ASPCA: I don't doubt that you've seen their heart-wrenching commercials advertising the fact that there are so many pets out there who need help. The ASPCA also devotes their efforts for pets that are victims of natural disasters. You can help keep their natural disaster team in action and support the ASPCA as a whole by becoming a member or making a donation.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Disasters

You never know if your family will be facing a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or any other type of disaster. Not only should you have a disaster plan for you and your family members, you should also have one in place for your pets. Here are a few tips to help you be prepared:

- Keep a collar and tag on your dogs and cats at all times. During a disaster an animal can escape and a collar and tag increases your chances of getting your beloved pet back. The tag should include your phone number and address (and maybe even your email address). If you have been evacuated and are going to be living away from home for an extended period of time, have a temporary tag made with the phone number of where you are staying. Email may also be a good form of communication for you while you are not staying at home.

- Identify several possible locations outside of your area where you can take your animals should you have to evacuate such as boarding kennels, veterinary clinics with boarding space, and friends and other family members. Look for hotels/motels that accept animals. Red Cross evacuation shelters do not allow animals, so be sure you have somewhere else to go with your pets.

- Set up a system with your trusted neighbors, so that they will check on your animals during a disaster in case you aren't home (and do the same for them). Swap information about your pets' veterinarians and have a permission slip put in your file at the vet, authorizing your neighbor to get necessary emergency treatment for your animal in the event that you can't be reached.

- Prepare a pet evacuation/disaster kit that includes food, water, and everything your pet needs to survive and be as comfortable as possible until the danger has passed. Keep all of the items stored in a sturdy, waterproof carrier, that's easy to carry. Your kit should be readily accessible so that it can be retrieved quickly.

Visit our website for the full list of what your pet disaster kit should contain and other pertinent disaster preparedness information.

Disasters often strike when you're least expecting it. Pets are very much a part of the family and are also victims of disaster. There are many ways to help, including volunteering and donations - but don't forget about keeping your own family and pets safe by being prepared so that you are able to help others in distress.

How to Help Pets During Disasters

Collectible Posters

A Dave Matthews poster is among some of the most sought after posters around. There are many that are made by talented artists who sign and number them, and sometimes only offer limited quantities. Many movie posters and entertainment posters from the 1930s and upward are worth in the tens of thousands of dollars. Posters of current artists are becoming more and more collectible. This band's legions of loyal fans love to snap up a Dave Matthews poster or CD. Some of the earlier posters that include their deceased saxophonist are beloved by their fans.

The band formed in early 1991 and by 1993 they released their first album on their own label, entitled "Remember Two Things." It debuted on college charts as the highest independent entry. As the band continued to tour, their fan base continued to grow. The band did something unique; they allowed their fans to record the shows for their own personal use. In this way, the Dave Matthews Band created an interactive community and became known to more and more people. In 1994, they recorded an album on RCA and began their first official national tour. By 1995 this album was certified four times platinum. The boys had definitely arrived and so had the demand for all things Dave Matthews, including a very large demand for Matthews posters.

Tsunami

Matthews Band grew from a grass roots phenomenon to one of the very hottest bands in all of America. By 2000 they were the top grossing touring band in the United States. In 2001 Dave Matthews played electric guitar for the first time. A Dave Matthews poster of Dave with his electric guitar is scooped up by fans and collectors alike. The band has done so much touring over the last eighteen years and many of the posters reflect their tour sites. You can find a colorful poster from their concert at Madison Square Garden or an intriguing new poster for an upcoming concert in Charlottesville, Virginia which is their hometown and where it all began for them. Black and white and color posters are available by online retailers. A Dave Matthews poster complete with the signatures of all the original band members continues to increase in value. There are even some great hand painted posters done by their fans.

Collectible Posters

The band is always anxious to reward their loyal followers and created a website in 2005 that continues to provide their fans with video footage and updates on an album's progress. They did a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, helped tsunami struck communities in Sri Lanka and even have taken a proactive role in fighting global warming. It is no wonder that this band is so beloved by their fans and why concert tickets as well as Dave Matthews posters continue to sell like hot cakes!

Tsunami

Collectible Posters

On Writing Well - The Importance of Avoiding Redundant Words and Phrases

On Writing Well - The Importance of Avoiding Redundant Words and Phrases

Never is it truer that the human mind works in strange ways than when an author finds his or her draft littered with the same words or phrases. What makes this particularly galling is that proficient writers strive not to do this, yet quite often are unable to prevent syntax which is redundant--or reads as repetitive--from appearing on a page.

Words That Stand Out--Unfortunately

Conflagration

Oddly, it's the words that are most ordinary which can often cause the most grief. Words such as "because" or "become," should they be placed in consecutive sentences or paragraphs (even lengthy ones), can stick in the reader's mind as redundant. Along this line of commonality, too many "was's" can gum up an otherwise good run of narrative. Word repetition can be as hard on the reader as the excessive use of specialty punctuation such as the semi-colon or the exclamation point.

Some More of The Usual Suspects

Another chronic problem is the word "would," since the options for a suitable substitute generally are limited to "should" and "could," at best. Perhaps the greatest difficulty of all is what to use after the first "but." "However," "yet," and even "except," can often serve in a pinch, but--well, you see the problem.

The Fix for Overuse of the Conjunction "But"

The best way to remedy repeating the conjunction "but" is to begin a new sentence as if it were an extended thought and not a contrary view. Example: John saw Mary in the park, but didn't like the guy she was with, so he kept walking. Rewrite as: John saw Mary in the park. He didn't like the guy she was with, so he kept walking.

Select Alternates for Prepositions

"Afterwards" can become "later," just as "under" can often be modified to read "below" and not deprecate the writer's intent. And while we are trained to use one word to take the place of many, it's sometimes prudent to write "at this time" instead of a redundant "now." Even a "presently" might need to be inserted instead of "now" to prevent duplication.

Homonyms are Just as Bad as Repeating Words

I recently read a draft with the following phrase: The weather was going to determine whether or not they would be going out. This is an easy sentence to repair by substituting "if" for "whether," and dropping the "or not." But it's not always simple to spot a problem. In this following sentence, the syntax might be ignored: Every fall, John would haul wood in his wheelbarrow. And even something more blatant might be missed, such as: It was too much to bear, and I barely got the words out.

Both Complicated or Sophisticated Words Must be Watched

When a writer uses words such as "conflagration" or "beatification," these can only be placed in a novel once. And I don't even like to see them in multiple novels by the same author. The latter comment might seem a stretch, but when an author develops an unintended tic, this isn't good, since it makes the writing stale in the eyes of the loyal reader.

Phrases, Especially Clever One's, Cannot be Used Again

A slick phrase will stay with the reader, and the ability to craft this sort of rhetoric is often why people lean toward certain authors. But it's important to keep in mind that the inherent nature of a unique rift of narrative is what will be remembered. A phrase like the following, including the adjective predicate by itself, can only be written one time: His face contorted, as if the result of an unpleasant musical note of his own making. One contorted face per book, please, regardless of how it got that way,

But What if there are Only so Many Ways Something can be Written?

When I'm writing a police thriller, I often run into a problem with the word "policeman." After perhaps following it with "cop," and later "officer," then "patrolman" (if it fits), I'm forced to return to the first noun. There are indeed times when there are only so many options to identify a person by name or profession and still be accurate. In the "policeman" example, if the person's last name is Jones, creating Patrolman Jones, Officer Jones, or offering just plain Jones to the mix in a long scene may still not be enough, and there will be no choice but to repeat a handle.

Yet when it's deemed necessary to restate a name in the same sentence, this should be an extremely rare occurrence and every attempt should be made to write around this sort of thing. And it's important to keep in mind that no matter how problematic the text might read when certain words continue to reappear, redundant phrases can leave a much more negative impression of the narrative.

On Writing Well - The Importance of Avoiding Redundant Words and Phrases

African Grey Parrot Rescue - How You Can Help

Lovers of parrots would certainly be familiar with the African grey, as it is considered, by many, to be the most intelligent and affectionate bird in the world. Its popularity amongst bird lovers is such that there are now several African grey parrot rescue organizations, which have been specifically set up to rescue these wonderful birds from any danger, neglect and abuse they may be facing and adopt them out to loving families as pets.

If you are interested in helping out one of these organizations, or in adopting an African grey parrot for yourself, there are several things you can do. The first step would be to find out as much information as you can about the African grey and share that information with people you know, especially those who are considering keeping one as a pet. The grey is a highly exotic bird and many people do not really know how to properly care for such a magnificent creature. As such, these birds often end up in neglectful circumstances, not being well looked after, simply due to people's lack of education and preparedness.

Rescue

Another way that you can assist with African grey parrot rescue is to tell everyone you know that rescued parrots can be adopted through these organizations. The screening process for adoption is very thorough and people will not be considered as 'parrot parents' unless they are suitably qualified to take care of the bird, so remember, education about caring for an African grey is vital.

African Grey Parrot Rescue - How You Can Help

Last, but not least, you can help with parrot rescue by donating your time or money to a reputable organization. These organizations are usually self-funded and staffed by willing volunteers, so any help you could offer, in these areas, would certainly be much appreciated.

Rescue

The African grey parrot would make an ideal pet for any family, large or small. Its intelligence and affectionate nature means that you would end up with a pet that is just as concerned about you and your well being as you are about it and it's well being!

Support of parrot rescue organizations is vital for the health and preservation of these wonderful birds. You can find African grey parrot rescue organizations over the internet or perhaps in your local telephone directory.

African Grey Parrot Rescue - How You Can Help

IDOT Receives F Grade on Emergency Preparedness and Terrorism

IDOT Receives F Grade on Emergency Preparedness and Terrorism

The IDOT - Illinois Department of Transportation received an "F" grade for emergency preparedness from a real independent research report, even though the Department of Homeland Security funded over 52 Million. The Illinois Trucking Association apparently was unable to assist in remedying the problem. The Illinois Trucking Association touts this as one of their major contributions to our Nations Truck Safety.

Just because the trucking Association sits in committees for hours putting into minutes what a true leader could have done in seconds does not make them an expert on the subject. Often an industry association will go out of their way to promote the fact that sat on committees with government, but seldom when the results were a dismal failure. Rather than taking credit for being on a specific committee that is relevant to the future success and security of the nation, it is more important to protect the American People.

Terrorism

Only success is relevant and the Illinois Department of Transportation which received an "F-Grade" on emergency preparedness and terrorism is nothing to hang one's hat on, especially after the uncovered plot from the FBI in NY recently to attack a fuel pipeline to the airport. We must demand more from our Industry Associations, our government and the many committees that are assigned to the important tasks of our society and civilization.

There can be no excuse for failure, no excuse for lack of integrity and absolutely no excuse for padded résumés promoting nothingness and hoping that no one notices. Industry and business must work seamlessly with our nation to insure the protection and welfare of all we are and all we have built and the American People who own it all.

IDOT Receives F Grade on Emergency Preparedness and Terrorism

4 Step Guide to Contracting Opportunities For the Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Process

4 Step Guide to Contracting Opportunities For the Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Process

The federal government anticipates spending over 0 billion dollars for the Katrina and Rita hurricane disaster relief and reconstruction efforts. Contracting opportunities abound for businesses of all sizes and types and there is a great need for varied services and products. Businesses throughout the US can explore the contracting opportunities by following these four steps.

The disaster-related services and products needed in the Gulf states will cover every aspect of life, business and government in the affected areas. Savvy companies are working to fill the needs now. However, this is a long-term, multi-layered process. While initial contracts have already been secured, there will be many more contracts worth billions of dollars to come over the next 6-12-18 months and longer. Those firms that employ both short-term and long-term strategies will be the most successful.

Disaster Recovery Planning

Step 1: Identify the Agencies with the Budgets to Buy What You Sell

This is one of the advantages in doing business with the federal government. Unlike the corporate environment, you can find out what agencies have budgets projected for your products and services and when they are planning to spend it.

The Department of Commerce Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC) will help U.S. businesses, especially minority and small businesses, participate in the Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts. The HCIC allows companies to register with government agencies that are providing contracts to rebuild the Gulf Coast. The HCIC also provides basic information on doing business with the government, e-mail alerts regarding specific contracting opportunities, links to other government and local agencies, and information about minority business services.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is constantly changing to best serve the nation's requirements. The 22 agencies that initially made up the DHS originally maintained independent purchasing power. Now, the eight offices listed here are responsible for all procurement functions of the DHS.

DHS Acquisition Offices:

DHS Headquarters

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Note: FEMA is the key agency responsible for the majority of disaster-related budgets

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

U.S. Secret Service (USSS)

U.S. Coast Guard Office of Procurement Management (USCG)

FedBizOpps is a federal government website that provides a central listing of most current federal contracts. Register at their website to receive the notices of bids and contracts that go through the normal contract advertising process. However, it has been noted on the FedBizOpps web site that many emergency contracts may not make it to this public forum. You may need to contact each agency to determine the specific opportunities available.

For past expenditures, check with the Federal Procurement Data Center (FPDC), part of the U.S. General Services Administration. The FPDC manages the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which is the current central repository of historical information on Federal contracting. The system contains detailed information on contract actions over ,500. The Executive departments and agencies award over 0 billion annually for goods and services. The system can identify who bought what, from whom, for how much, when and where.

Prime or General Contractors (GC) will be a source of sub-contracts for companies of all sizes. This disaster is of a magnitude that the US has never seen before and many contracting operations will be handled directly by Primes or GCs.

Action Items:

A. Check the agencies that have a history of purchasing your products and services.

B. Use some sort of contact manager software like ACT! or Goldmine to build your own government procurement database and schedule regular follow-up.

C. New vendors: Get registered in the Central Contractor Registry: http://www.ccr.gov

Step 2: Find the Specific Offices in Your Targeted Agencies That are Most Likely to Purchase Your Products and Services

The DHS and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have nationwide agencies and offices, as do Primes and GCs. Do you want to target areas that are geographically convenient to you? Do you have service, shipping or delivery issues that demand a local presence to your customers? How will this affect your bottom line? Can you effectively offer regional, national or international support? You will be most effective if you geographically prioritize the specific agencies, primes, GCs and offices to target.

Action Items:

A. Contact the agencies to participate in their Vendor Outreach and one-on-one sessions.

B. Review the DHS Prime Contractors list on the DHS website for the top five that are your best matches. Contact the small business liaisons to schedule capabilities briefings.

C. Visit the USACE website: http://www.usace.army.mil/ and identify the General Contractors (GCs) that are your best matches.

Step 3: Identify the Specific PEOPLE in Your Targeted Offices

You want to find the specific decision-makers because they are your best connections to getting the business you want. They are THE KEY to your success. Finding the right people and taking the time and effort to building solid relationships will guarantee your long-term success.

Finding the agencies and end-users who buy what you sell is one of the most difficult aspects of government sales. And yet it is one of the most important because finding the people who buy your product or service is the most critical step in a successful targeted marketing and sales program.

Within the agency, thousands of program managers, program professionals, operating supervisors, engineers, and scientists participate in deciding what to purchase and from whom. These are the people you want to take the time find and to whom you want to introduce yourself.

The strategy is to identify both the end-users and the people involved in the actual procurement process. Market your abilities, solutions and products to the end-users so that they recommend your products and service specifications to the procurement personnel, so that yours is the company the bid "was written for."

Action Items:

A. Use the DHS and USACE websites to identify the following people who are keys to your success and put them in your contact manager software:

--The Points of Contact (POC) for the US Army Corps of Engineers, DHS agencies, State agencies, Red Cross, etc.

--The Small Business Specialists

--Prime Contractor Small Business Liaisons

B. Use the information you have researched from the FPDC web site to detail the specific people who have purchased your products or services in the past. Add them to your contact manager.

C. Set up a schedule of contacts with these people. The contacts should include personal phone calls, emails, direct mail, visits during procurement conferences and all out-reach sessions. Try for at least 12 to 18 touches per year. Since active procurement projects are progress, step this up to every few weeks.

D. Long Term Action Item: As you build relationships with the Contracting Officers and Specialists, ask them for the names of the end users who are involved in the projects related to your products and services. Ideally, as you work with them you can begin to really understand the problems they experience and educate them how you can solve those problems. And perhaps become a preferred vendor.

E. Join the International Association of Emergency Managers

Step 4: Identify Business Development Processes Appropriate for Your Services and Products

If you want to develop both short and long term business opportunities involved in the disaster reconstruction process you must develop a strategy that utilizes a variety of tactics. These are the most effective:

Web site: Make sure it is specifically addresses the government's purchasing best practices on your home page. Does your home page also note your GSA schedule and certifications?

Email: Is it professional? Do you use your business domain name? Or are you still using yahoo, hotmail or some non-business related address? It is very important to appear as professional as possible. Your business should be stable, reliable, established. Free or personal email accounts make you appear fly-by-night or non-professional.

Do you accept government purchase cards? This is mandatory in the government contracting environment. And it also works to your advantage by speeding up payments.

Action Items:

A. Take a critical look at your business development tools to determine if they meet the specific needs of your government prospects and clients. Give your website TOP PRIORITY.

B. Identify the companies that could be good teaming partners. Add them to your contact manager and start the relationship building process.

C. Schedule a pro-active contact process with all targeted contacts and assign specific tasks to specific people in your firm.

If you use these specific tactics and strategies you will find that you will have better opportunities for government contracts in both the short and long term.

FedBizOpps can be found at http://www.fbo.gov

4 Step Guide to Contracting Opportunities For the Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Process

Indonesia Tsunami Warning System - What is Being Done?

Indonesia Tsunami Warning System - What is Being Done?

Nobody in the present period will forget the 200,000 victims of the Indonesia Tsunami, which was caused by the Sumatra Earthquake on Christmas Eve. But what is being done in the region now while it is still seismic active with major Volcanoes and Earthquakes? The Pacific Rim of Fire needs warning system throughout, along with the Indian Ocean, there too is seismic activity in the Caribbean as well, thus, we should be considering systems here too.

Indeed, there are some good things that are being done right now to save lives so another 200,000 people do not perish next time there is a Tsunami or a large Earthquake, which triggers one. As the Japanese, Americans and several other nations are installing Tsunami Warning systems around the globe, time is important too, the more systems that are in place, the safer human civilizations close to the water can be and there are problems now with Volcanoes and some people will not evacuate as they believe that the Volcano represents a safe passage to the final journey in life? And Volcanoes are an environmental nightmare for humans and nature. Although some could say it is merely the cleansing of the Earth so it can start a new and part of the cycle?

Japan Earthquakes

There have been over the last two-years hundreds of large 4 plus Earthquakes and many over 6 and 7 also. The region is very seismically active and these Tsunami Alarms will help warn people of any impending Tsunami Wave to allow people lead time to evacuate the area near the ocean. Consider this in 2006.

Indonesia Tsunami Warning System - What is Being Done?